In an official statement issued via Coventry Police, Browns owner Ken Brown admitted he would have served the soldiers.

He said: “On Monday 25th June two uniformed military personnel visited my bar with a view to purchasing coffee and were refused by a member of staff as it is company policy not to serve someone in uniform. I was not present on the premises at the time.

“I have since been made aware of why these soldiers were in Coventry and had I known of the circumstances I would have willingly served them.

“I am genuinely sorry for the distress caused to the family of the late Corporal Michael Thacker and through the military family liaison officer I have sent an unreserved apology to Catherine and the soldiers concerned.”